How do I identify a real Gillows table?

Authentic pieces often feature a stamp pressed directly into the mahogany timber near the end of the frame, typically reading Gillows Lancaster. When a stamp is absent, identification relies on specific structural characteristics, high-grade timber selection, and documented proportions consistent with the firm's archive records.

What periods do these tables cover?

The listings span from the late eighteenth century through the Georgian and Regency eras into the Victorian period. Earlier examples favour clean classical lines, while mid-nineteenth-century iterations often incorporate heavier rosewood or oak formats.

How do extending mechanisms work?

Many tables utilise a winding screw mechanism paired with folding or drop-in leaves supported by sturdy telescopic runners. This engineering allows a compact domestic table to expand safely to accommodate large dining parties without sagging in the centre.

Are centre tables used for dining?

Centre tables serve versatile domestic functions, often acting as breakfast tables, library surfaces, or occasional dining boards in smaller rooms. Their circular or oval tops and pedestal bases provide comfortable legroom from any seating angle.